HEARTLESS thieves have broken into Church Hill Allotments in Redditch and stolen £10,000 worth of equipment, leaving plot-holders with nothing.
The raiders struck between Monday night and Tuesday morning, snapping locks on the three storage containers on the site.
The first one is a communal storage unit where everyone who uses the site keep their tools, including rotavators worth thousands of pounds, strimmers and other items.
The second storage container houses consumables, such as seeds, soil and bulbs – again all the items were stolen.
The third building – containing water and pumps – was also completely emptied meaning even if members could work on their plots, they would have no way of watering them.
Because the allotments do not have an independent supply, water is collected from the lake and stored for people to use.
Stephen Betteridge, the chairman of the Church Hill Allotments Association, said: “It’s absolutely heart-breaking.
“There are 80 plot holders and some of them are aged over 80 and 90 – these allotments are their lives and they have lost everything.
“Some of them come down here at 7am every morning, seven-days-a-week, and sty until nightfall, even cooking their dinners in their sheds.
“As well as providing good quality produce for them, the allotments are also key to their wellbeing – they are getting lots of fresh air and exercise and are doing something they love.”
On the stolen items he added: “The worst thing is, these tools will take thousands of pounds to replace but those selling them would get next to nothing for them.”
The Church Hill Allotments Association has launched an appeal to other associations or gardeners to ask if they have any older equipment they could spare to help the plot-holders get back on their feet or cash donations to help buy some equipment.
“Anything anyone can spare – no matter how large or small – would be welcome,” added Stephen.
Police investigation
West Mercia Police are investigating the theft.
Insp Rich Field, from Redditch Police Safer Neighbourhood Team, said “These crimes may seem minor to some, but I am very aware of the impact this has on allotment holders as tools and specialist equipment such as Rotavators are extremely expensive to replace and are often passed down through generations of families.
“I recognise and appreciate that this would have caused upset to the owners of these items – this isn’t just a piece of equipment but a way of life, as the allotment holders spend hours on their allotments to make produce and to stay fit. I would appeal to anyone who has any information, local dash cam footage or CCTV to contact the police.
“Allotments are often targeted, and our rural crime team supported by the local Safer Neighbourhood team have previously marked a large number of items within our allotments with smartwater.
“Officers are following up on a number of enquiries and if you are approached with outdoor items like rotovators please shine a UV light on the outside to confirm if it is marked with smartwater, if you are suspicious or concerned that the items maybe stolen please call the police.”
How you can help
Anyone who can help with equipment should call Stephen on 07811 167620 or click here to donate to the fund-raising page.
Witnesses or anyone with information on the thefts should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Click here for advice on crime prevention from West Mercia Police and here for details on SmartWater.
